Conducting an Executive Search to appoint the Chair and Advisory Board members to support the Victorian skills system. The focus of the Advisory Board is to support Victorians gain the training they need to find work
The Brief
Future Leadership was engaged by this education and training regulator to conduct an executive search focussed on appointing new board members with a focus on diversity and regulatory experience. As an independent statutory authority, the organisation works to assure the quality of education and training in Victoria.
The organisation is governed by an independent Board, reporting to the Minister for Education and the Minister for Training and Skills. Due to the expiry of terms for existing Board members, the Governor in Council sought to appoint new Board members in 2023. The primary aim of the process was to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the authority, accountable to Ministers for the discharge of the organisations statutory functions and its education regulatory and financial performance.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
The Future Leadership team completed detailed briefings with the organisation CEO and other relevant stakeholders to fully understand the profiles required to ensure the optimum blend of skills and experience across the Board.
Research and mapping was undertaken to identify leaders across the education sector and beyond, focusing on ensuring diversity and existing governance understanding and experience. The consultant team engaged in dialogue to ascertain potential interest and/or advice and recommendations.
Candidates from search and advertising activities were assessed against the Board skills matrix and the search was calibrated throughout with the organisation selection committee. At the shortlisting stage, eight candidates were selected for interview before a panel comprising the Board Chair, CEO and senior representatives from the Department of Education and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
Top capabilities Identified for the appointments
Strategy and Purpose
Develops and leads strategy for the function/organisation, taking a broad and long-term perspective. Understands and considers context. Communicates and gains buy-in to the function/organisation goals, direction and vision, promoting change initiatives.
Commercial Acumen
Provides a deep understanding of relevant industry, marketplace and business drivers as applicable to the organisation. Leverages the application of commercial tools and frameworks to manage opportunities, conflicts and trade-offs.
Critical Thinking
Gathers and examines different data points, testing for assumptions and gaps in logic; reframes problems and presents well-reasoned insights considering diverse perspectives. Analyses, interprets and objectively evaluates information enabling judgements.
Organisational Capability
Understands the organisation's future requirements and identifies opportunities to build potential across the organisation. Seeks opportunities to develop other people and takes appropriate action to address skill gaps in others.
Adaptability and Resilience
Demonstrates positivity, curiosity, and the ability to pivot when confronted with change, pressure, adversity and disruption. Responsive to strategic environmental, social and corporate challenges and opportunities.
Systems Thinking
Views situations in their entirety, understanding all the parts at play. Identifies the interconnected factors and how they influence each other, impacting the whole system. Takes a strategic perspectives
The Outcome
At the conclusion of the search preferred candidates were referenced and probity checking was undertaken to support VPS requirements. A detailed selection report was provided within a tight timeframe to meet deadlines for Ministerial approval.
Three candidates who reflected diversity of experience and cultural background were selected to join existing board members in late 2023. The profiles of the appointees were:
- Experienced in social purpose, government, advocacy and public policy, while also bring leadership experience in risk, audit and finance.
- An accomplished corporate lawyer with over two decades on boards, with additional experience gained through an indigenous education foundation
- An industry representative with strong experiences in developing training programs and promoting apprenticeships.
